MIGRANTE-Middle East (M-ME) today calls on President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to probe the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) amid report that Philippine Overseas Labor office (POLO) in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia has engaged in business partnership with a private general services company in providing services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Citing a reliable source, M-ME spokesman John Leonard Monterona said, “We came to know that POLO covering the Eastern Region (POLO-ERO) headed by Labor attache Adam Musa inked a business deal with SAS, a private general services company, as partner in the delivery of services to the OFWs.”
“Since when the DoLE and its overseas labor office allow a private firm to manage the provision of its services to OFWs? This is clearly a money-making scheme transforming public service into private partnership at the expense of us, OFWs and families,” Monterona averred.
Monterona said in such arrangement, referring to POLO-SAS business partnership, “Our fellow OFWs who are in dire need of the PHL government genuine services will be at the losing ends. There is no guarantee that OFWs issues and concerns will be properly attended and that their labor rights will be protected.”
Monterona said that this business deal shows a clear manifestation of Labor attache Adam Musa’s inability to manage his post.
“What makes us more seriously concern is the appointment of Labatt Musa to handle other two labor offices in Saudi Arabia: POLO-Riyadh and POLO-Central Region. For sure, because of the PH govt. lacks or short of qualified personnel to serve the needs of our OFWs, it will also hire the services of private companies to deliver its services provision to OFWs just like what it did in POLO-ERO. Then comes next is charging OFWs of the supposed free on-site services of POLO,” Monterona added.
Monterona explained that Musa’s appointment to handle 3 POLO offices (Eastern region, Riyadh, and Central region) causes them a serious concern amid the upcoming overseas absentee voting (OAV) that will commence on April 13, 2013.
“With Musa handling 3 PH labor offices, we also express our fear on the integrity of the OAV in Saudi Arabia as he will perform a major role in the conduct of OAV being part of the diplomatic corps in Saudi Arabia. Thus, we smell something fishy on his appointments to handle 3 POLO offices at the same time,” Monterona lamented.
Monterona opined that Musa’s appointment to two other POLO offices, aside from being the current head of POLO-Eastern region, is in violation of Comelec rules and regulations.
The transfer, promotion, extension, or recall of any member of the foreign service corps during the election ban period without securing approval from Comelec is among the prohibited acts under Section 24 of Republic Act 9189, otherwise known as the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003. The prohibition takes effect one year before and three months after the day of elections.
“We call on Comelec chair Brilliantes and the Commission on Overseas Absentee Voting (COAV) if the Department of Labor and Employment was able to secure an exemption for the new assignment of Musa,” Monterona adding that the POLOs are extension offices of the DoLE abroad.
Monterona disclosed that various OFWs groups are demanding Adam Musa’s head for the latter’s incompetence and negligence in the performance of his duties as PHL labor attache covering Saudi’s Eastern region.
“Labatt Musa already completed his 2-year tour of duty. But because of his closeness to DoLE Sec. Baldoz, both being Gloria Macapaga-Arroyo appointees, Musa managed to hang on his position. He was recently appointed to handle additional 2 POLO offices covering Riyadh and the Central region,” Monterona added.
“If PNoy is really for his ‘daang matuwid’, why he can’t replace GMA-appointees who are still enjoying at their respective govt. positions amid reports of their incompetence and numerous negligence to the sector or public they should serve. PNoy should clean DoLE from its head down to its offices abroad,” Monterona suggested.